News and Perspectives on Korean Affairs, History and Policy Issues
...Since 2007

June 16, 2010

Korea Teams at the World Cup

For the first time, both South and North Korean teams are playing in the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. This is South Korea's seventh World Cup foray, and the second one for North Korea since the remarkable run at the 1966 tournament in England. The two teams are playing well, as South Korean team beat Greece 2-0 and North Korea played a close game with Brazil with 2-1 loss. Normally, South Korea would also be cheering for North Korean team as it did before in international sporting events, but recent chill in inter-Korean relations in the aftermath of the Cheonan ship sinking incident has dampened the spirit.

Jung Dae-sae (photo above in red jersey), a player in the North Korean team is changing that. Jung's story is extraordinary. He was born in Japan, has South Korean citizenship, and he plays with North Korea's national team. Though Jung gained South Korean citizenship via his parents, he learned soccer at pro-North Korean school in Japan and fulfilled his dream of playing in North Korea's national team. His brother plays professional soccer in South Korea. Jung's complicated family and personal story reflects the pain of the divided Korea. While seeing Jung cry with emotions at the start of the game with Brazil, Koreans -- both in the South and overseas -- felt the yearning for Korean reunification.

Thanks for the reporting. Despite the North Korean team's collapse during the 2nd half of the Portugal match, they've won over a lot of people with their spirited play. Seems to me like cultural and sporting exchanges such as this have tremendous potential for breaking down hostilities and fostering understanding... actually helping us to see eachother as human beings. But it's unclear to me whether such "diplomacy" between civil society can effectively influence policy among the leadership of the countries involved. For now, I'm looking forward to cheering on the young N.K. team in future international play.

Response to: "But it's unclear to me whether such 'diplomacy' between civil society can effectively influence policy among the leadership of the countries involved."

-- It does and it has happened, as efforts by civil society and concerned citizens aimed at inter-Korea reconciliation, exchanges (scholars, religious, cultural..), reunion of separated families have paved a road for governments to follow, as in the June 15 joint declaration and subsequent policies.

South and North Korean teams marched together in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics, under one flag representing one Korea -- highlighting the Korean people's desire for reunification. This did not happen in the 2008 Olympics, suggesting challenges that remain.

Music Videos

What Readers Are Saying

In searching for informative blogs on Korea, I came across Korea Report ... and found your writing to be informative and provided good analysis.- Jeff Dexter, Foreign Policy Association's US Diplomacy blogThis is a great resource.- Victor Hsu, World Vision International

I like the articles in Korea Report very much. I think these messages and articles are missing in the mainstream media.- Kuhn Seo, National Association of Korean Americans

Congratulations! Korea Report is performing a very valuable service for all who love Korea and want to stay in touch.- Pharis Harvey, former director of the North American Coalition for Human Rights in Korea

Korea Report is not only my best source of Korea news and thoughtful commentary, through its links it provides easy access to other resources, organizations and projects. Everyone interested in Korea should know about this blog, especially our policymakers.-Dorothy Ogle, National Committee for Peace in Korea

My congratulations for the opening of this fantastic blog. Very nice! Perhaps this blog will come out best among blogs concerned with Korea.- Anonymous

Long-closed Military Demarcation Line in the DMZ that divides Korea is now open for inter-Korea traffic and exchanges, but the exchanges have slowed down since 2008.

Thank you for visiting this site, please visit again. Comments to the postings, suggestions and guest submissions are welcomed. If you prefer to send comments to the editor of this site directly, please send to KoreaReport@gmail.com